In Denial

I was diagnosed with Type2 about a year ago. Being in a profession(?sp) that one of the main causes is diabeties, you think i would have been all on the right track. Nope, denial. Was put on pills to get my bs down, and I just went on my merry way. Now a year later and i'm actually worse! What a mess! I have now opened my eyes and stopped denying that i have a problem. I really want to do right by myself for me and my family. I'm finding out that portion control is one of my biggest issues along with making good judgments. I'm totaly addicted to Arizong Green Tea wtih Ginsing and Honey! Sugar thru the roof. Even though i had cut out alot of snacks i wias still on the Tea! This is going to be really hard and if anyone has a minute to give me hints on good things to eat without breaking the bank i would REALLY appreciate it! Thank you so much for reading my story and please ignore my bad spelling! LOL

The unknown is always scary. I've known for a year also and it's sitll alittle scary. But i believe we have a wonderful supportive base here and that helps a bunch. I'm supposed to be getting a referal to a nutitionist from by doc. I cant wait to go and talk with one, i'm sure it will help bunches. Good luck!

Mickey, there are many things that you can do. Watch the carb intake, caffiene, and sugars. I like to eat Nuts for snacks, especially pistacios they are low in fat and high protien. Fresh vegetables is another good one.

Margo, as you notice from from my profile pic, I am drinking a cup of coffee, something I drink a lot of, My dr. said I could have black coffee, no sugar, even if I was fasting for a blood test, I have heard differing opinions on whether or not caffiene elevates BS levels, can you clear this up for me?

Really the effects of coffee (or any other food or drink) is unique to YOU and your body/metabolism. What you need to do is test before your coffee in the AM and then test 2 hrs after and see what the coffee does to your body.

I have done the tests for me and have found it does affect my BG more than I would like so I now avoid it. The only time I may drink coffee now is if I am needing to stay awake on a long road trip.

I think caffeine is one of those things that affects people differently. Seems like it would be more likely to raise blood pressure. It doesn't seem to bother me but I try not to drink it in the evening at all as I have enough problems getting a good night's rest.

Dear Mickey, You've taken one of the biggest steps in facing your disease and recognizing that you have the power to make those right but difficult decisions. By better managing your diabetes, you'll increase your chances of staying healthy and seeing your children and grandchildren get older. You'll also make things easier for them, as they will not worry so much about you. Now, I'm not saying that it's easy. I've found that my road to better control includes frequently feeling hungry. I get snack attacks around 8pm. I've found that drinking a hot beverage (tea or broth) helps to tone down the hunger without added carbs…it's not as "satisfying" as cookies or cake but the BG results are rewarding.Congratulations in facing your challenge..you'll find that your tastes will adapt and evolve too. Hugs,Lou

Thank you for the kind words and hug! I'm totaly going to try using tea or broth for those cravings that come out of nowhere! One of my big problems is with my job i work CRAZY hours and days so everyday is different! The trick for me is trying to figure out what is going to work and get me thru the day! But i'm very determined now and i refuse to fail! Thanks again Lou!

I like sugar free apple cider-it comes in a box of 10 pouches. Add it to hot water same as you would hot coco mix. Walmart is about the only place that has the sugar free. It has few carbs, and is hot, so it really helped me feel full.

I remembered the "hot beverage" as an appetite suppressant when I was trying to lose some weight. It gives me the sense of feeling full plus it adds to my fluid intake…it seems I never drink as much water as I should.

I usually only use it when a resturaunt has the AC cranked up too high, or in cold weather. At home I drink filtered water at room temp. I am told it is easier on the body. If it is tepid, however I will cool it off a bit.

2 green tea 2 peppermint 2 spearmint i some times add splenda but it can be done without makes 1 gallon fast prep toss the teabags in 2 cup measuring cup of water microwave for 4 min pour into pitcher over ice then add water

I thought that I was addicted to soda (at least 2 a day everyday) but I haven't had so much as a sip since my dx. I have diabetes on both sides of my family so denial was not an issue for me. I'm glad I took it seriously. I learned a lot about it and did all I could which has resulted in losing 73 lbs and a 5.3% A1c. I know that I am fortunate but it hasn't been easy. Portion control was the most challenging aspect for me but I found using small plates and bowls to be helpful. The important thing is to choose your carbs wisely. You want to eat foods that process carbs slowly and contain fiber and essential nutrients. I enjoy turning my favorite foods into healthy meals by replacing unhealthy ingredients with healthy ones. Of course exercise is essential. The rewards are enormous.

The first thing I wold suggest is you go to" Recepies" and " 21 Day Guide" in the Discussions site of DC. They have all the snacks, foods, dessarts etc. you can emagine. Next, just flat give up the tea or atleast the honey in it. To our Diabetic bodies, it can't tell sugar from sugar, honey included. I quit smoking 21 years ago, cold turkey. No it wasn't easy, but it was for my life. That's how you MUST treat you body now, for your life. Hard words, but sent with love. Valentine Lady

Yup, the tea is gone! Still in mourning! LOL JK! It's funny that you say that about smoking, i did the same thing years ago! But for some reason i found it easier with cigs then with some of the things i like like the tea! I'm not huge on sweets, don't get me wrong i do like them from time to time, my biggie is things like chips and dip, or a biggie was doritios and chessy dip! I did find that nuts help. i like the ones with the dried fruit in them.

Gabby is so right on about everything she said. Wonderful advice. I am a big fan of Truvia, (stevia) but do note that a little goes a long way. Mickey, your honesty is part of your solution and so is being openminded. Some of us are fortunate to have a CDE. (A certified diabetes educator.) Mine suggested 10-15 saltines as a snack. But Gabby's suggestion of a slice of lunchmeat wrapped around a pickle or a piece of cheese makes so much more sense. You have some protein and a little fat to sustain you until your next meal. And you haven't broken the carb bank or the piggy bank. (chuckle) I love nuts. I always buy the unsalted ones in bulk at Walmart. But like the lunch meat & cheese, savor them a bit. Enjoy the taste. Let them sit on your tongue so you get the flavor. It sounds silly, but make this snack a joyful eating experience. If your doctor has just been refilling your meds without seeing you more than once a year, shame shame shame. I have to take in my blood sugar readings whenever I see my doc and she does an A1c in the office, and I have had the opportuntiy to see a CDE twice and I am invited back to the CDE whenever I need to see her. So keep on learning,educating yourself and staying positive. Have a hug on me. Gracie

Thank you Gracie for the hug! Even if it's a cyber one i'll take it! I just went to the Dr. today and had a heart to heart and was glad i did. I asked her to check my A1C today and the good news it has not gone up since the last time, but the bad news is it's 8.7! Ouch! Looks like i have a lot of work to do. I have till December to get it back down or I'm in big trouble! I refuse to give up and surrender! Some one pass the nuts and lets roll! LOL

No real tips you can't find in the rest of the responses but keep in mind that being strong in maintaining your bgs will most likely lengthen your life and the quality of it. That's enough for me. I am sure you have much to live for. You can do it.

You are like so many of us and denial, unfortunately, is all part of the process. At least you are moving on and that is fantastic.

What I recommend to deal with your green tea issue is to make your own. Brew a batch of green tea, add the ginseng if you want or a hint of ginger. Then use a sweetener such as stevia in that while it is still warm. It will dissolve right up and then when you drink it cold or hot, it will be ready to roll. If you use those large gallon jugs of Arizona tea, just use it for your tea making. There you go, and for half the price! LOL

As far as good snacks, there are a lot of great options out there. Try a piece of lunch meat wrapped around a dill pickle or cheese. Some nuts can go a long way in helping you get to your next meal without being hungry. Have you ever tried celery and salsa mixed with some sour cream. Oh yummy.

You can buy the tea bags with flavorings already added. They don't add sugar, just things like ginseng, lemon, peppermint, chamomile, and all sorts of other things. If you don't find one you like, just buy two flavors of tea and mix them together. If you, like me, need the sweetener, use Splenda or Splenda Blend for Baking, or some other artificial sweetener. (You'll find the Splenda Blend on the baking isle.)

One thing you will find is that making things yourself is always a way to have better control over what you are putting in your mouth. I have found a lot of things that I make myself now that before I used to buy. Now I know what is in my food and know that it is better for me in the long run. I make Sun Tea which is just putting the bag in water and placing the pitcher outside in the sun for the day. When I come home, my tea is brewed and ready to serve. Can't get much easier than that.

They do make a Diet tea-same tea,much less sugar! Try that! Or go cold turkey-make your own unsweetened tea and add some Stevia instead. Takes getting used to, but you can do it. Now that you have taken ownership of your issues, you just have to make it all work out. Baby steps, one thing at a time. Portion control is key.All you have to do right now is start measuring your portions and balancing carbs/protiens and veggies. You really do know what to do, you just need to practice. We are all behind you, go for it and keep us posted on your progress :)

Thanks for the support! I have been weaning myself off the tea. I have never been able to stomach the taste of artifical sweetners so right now i'm just doing the water thing until i get myself under control! :}

I hate the artificial sweeteners, too. Splenda doesn't bother me. I use the Splenda Blend for Baking in everything. We don't even buy regular sugar anymore because the Splenda Blend works for everything. No nasty aftertaste, either.

I am so with you on the taste of artificial sweeteners - I cannot stand diet sodas. Fortunately, I was never much of a soda drinker anyway, so it's no hardship for me to drink water instead! My issue was with coffee - I used to put 2-3 spoons into every cup, and add that much again if a half-full cup was topped off. I have weaned off that, and drink my huge morning mug with about half a teaspoon of Splenda and am enjoying it more! Anyway - like granniesophie said, keep us up to date on progress!